Episode 108: Sweating to the Oldies with Mr. Simmons

Published by Bird's Eye View at February 9, 2015

Leading Off

Rogers Hornsby is getting antsy. The frost is starting to recede from the window, and the grass outside is becoming more evident. With FanFest behind us, and Spring Training inching closer… well, things are getting better. Or something? After the usual pleasantries, it’s time for Drink of the Week and the TWotT (This week on the Twitters):

@HardBallTalk tweets some news sure to rile the BBWAA.
@kristenmhudak may be new to the job, but she’s got a clue.
@simplyAJ10 created a Twitterverse of middle men.
@JonHeymanCBS references He Who Must Not Be Named.
@Jabbyburns has started something…
@RA_Parker wrote a piece on Chris Davis that should not be missed.
@uniformcritic makes us nostalgic for times gone by.

Dan Szymborski

It’s the timeless debate: the experts pick against the Orioles, and Orioles fans claim the experts are picking on them. In order to bring some balance to the discussion, the guys chat with Dan Szymborski, whose ZiPS projection system is a leading voice in baseball projections and advanced metrics. Dan talks acronyms with Scott, while Jake tries desperately to keep up.

Dan Szymborski’s work can be around the web, including on Baseball Think Factory, Fangraphs, and ESPN.com. His witty commentary and pictures of his cats can be found @DSzymborski.

The Curious Case of Brian Matusz

View image | gettyimages.com

Our impressions of Brian Matusz have changed greatly over the years, and the truth has always been stranger than the fiction. A former first round pick, highly touted prospect, struggling starter, recognized bust, dominant reliever, and LOOGY only. It’s been one wild ride.

Many (including your official source of lack of insight and baseless opinion) assumed that Matusz was a dead man walking, when it came to being tendered a contract in 2015. The Orioles surprised, however, setting aside $3.2MM for Matusz – whose struggled against righties severely limits his value – all while pursuing lefty Wesly Wright in free agency.

Let’s look again at what Matusz brought last year. Do you want him back? The answer might surprise you.

Blowing the Save

Most podcasts try to end on a high note – the perfect coda to a quality program. That’s just not our style. Each week, we’ll end on a weak note, blowing the save with an item that didn’t quite fit into the episode, or something they simply need to get off their chests. It’s our version of taking the ball and pulling a Kevin Gregg.

Notes and Nags

Are you listening to the show on ~~iTunes~~ Stitcher? Are you subscribed? You totally should be! And while you’re there, be sure to leave a review of the program. Love it? Hate it? Confused? Let us and other listeners know! As always, we appreciate the support.